I keep them up by the peghead. So,The store is placing an order for Korea. Gold Star GF-100FE Professional 5-String Resonator Banjo – Flying Eagle Inlay. Great deals on Goldstar Banjos. $995.00: Gold Star GF-100JD (expired) Used - Mint Condition / Country: United States - State: NC Last Updated 12/11/2019. The peghead veneer is made of blacken maple in 1978. 1979 VINTAGE G12HF Gold Star archtop banjo all original with a very nice Superior hardshell case. Retail list price is US$1695. A LH banjo will not fit in the RH case. Edited by - country frank on 03/13/2013 06:34:15, oriver63 - Posted - 03/13/2013:  07:07:01. Put another way, please do not ask me to tell you what your Gold Star is worth. 5.0 out of 5 stars. It was (in the owner's words, and I agree) peeling the bark off the trees when I played it (and the tree like was 200 yards away!). This is a gorgeous banjo that is an extraordinary value and has been fully inspected and set up here at the Banjo Warehouse. I've had that banjo aimed at my face for literally over 1000 hours, all added up over the years. information to offer than is already here on the site, on specification, comparisons to the sound of Tom Adam's Gold Star, etc... what you get here is it. I have more banjos than I deserve , one of them a 81 JD Goldie , allot of great banjos but for pure bluegrass tone none of them better than that one, I also have a 83 JD that is a monster that I am going to be listing again. Goldstar Banjos for sale | eBay. So,Naturally 1981 are good. I believe the pots were made at the same time by the same maker. Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric Banjo (Five String, Tobacco Sunburst) Brand New. Korean like Gold Tone, Morgan Monroe, etc.) The last batches of Gold Stars all seem to have been made about 1984, but bear serial numbers 84xxxx, 85xxxx, and even 86xxxx including at least one JDC that went through Mandolin Bros. It sounds like you might have the insider information, Ks_5-picker - Posted - 03/21/2013:  12:14:15. GF100 is called "Tokai 1200R"The specification of the T-1200R has not changed. Every one of the original Gold Stars that I played, and I played many, were excellent banjos. The term also differentiates that style of playing from the fingerpicking bluegrass banjo styles, such as the Scruggs sty… The Goldstar flatheads does not exist in Japan. 'Vintage Dobro square neck guitar 1940s-50s' 2 hrs, 'Review of my Bishline "Harvest" neck build for an older Top Tension Pot' 2 hrs, 'Please Help Our Friend Patton Wages' 3 hrs, 'For Sale: Rare 1954 Gibson RB-250 (w/ original 5 string neck & skin head)' 3 hrs, 'Emails from classifieds not being sent?' Again called I would like to explain to another post. I've owned and played 4 70s Gold Stars and they were all really good banjos. See the Tone Bell® write up at Bill Palmer's site. 1979～1981,The Tokai musical instruments was very powerful. FREE GROUND SHIPPING for Orders Over $149. It is made of a plastic in 1979 and afterwards. Actually, all of the Gold Stars had the best hardware available, there are some extra supernal touches in the early Gold Star J. D. Crowes. The neck is excellent. The Tokai musical instrument made JD model in 1981.Saga Japan was established in 1983.Corporate Rehabilitation Law was applied to the Tokai musical instrument in 1984. Awarded Deering Banjos' #1 World Dealership for ten consecutive years! They were quite a bit better than what Gibson had available at the time in terms of affordability, playability, tone, and quality construction. Gold Star Banjo GF-100W NEW. Has been seen with 3 piece neck, rosewood center stripe (#83xxxx, #810367), 10 ply maple pot (#810367). oriver63 - Posted - 03/14/2013:  06:38:37. In 78 I bought a gf100 flathead and an arch top from the music store I worked at. Here is the essence of the August 2003 faxed Saga product description to the dealers. At the time I was on the prowl for a personal banjo for myself - running all over the place looking at all the Gibsons I could find within a couple 100 miles of where I lived at the time. A Friend and I stopped in for a visit with my old Friend Dave Osborne (proprietor of the 'Music Barn' in Greensboro, N.C.)...After a bit he asked if I'd like to see something that would 'blow my mind' and I said, 'sure'...He had one of the employees bring up 'the new banjo', which turned out to be a brand new 'Gold Star'...That banjo impressed me so much that I bought it on the spot, as I had been looking for a good banjo for a Friend - first time I had purchased a brand new banjo from a music store since purchasing a new 'Fender Bluegrass Artist' from 'Carter's Music' in Salisbury back in the mid-late '70s...Some of the later new editions of the 'Gold Stars' haven't been quite as impressive IMO, but not all of the prewar flatheads I've owned or played are equal either...All this could have been easily summed up by simply stating that there are some mighty fine 'Gold Stars' around...The few older 'Gold Star Granadas' (J.D. They were known as the best bluegrass banjos- yet were not living up to their reputation. Crowe. Only one thing is known. The problem of Goldstar Archtop and flathead, That is very complicated. The first 'Gold Star' banjo I recall seeing was the one Jimmy Farrington (A fine banjo picker based in N.C) bought brand new back in the lte '70s or early '80s. ALL NEW Gold Star GF-100JD banjo- New design RB3 duplicate Real pro quality at a fraction of the price! I owned an 81 JD which was really good , and an 84 85 GF 100 Wreath which was excellent as well. Again, the fit is. The Tokai musical instrument is not a small company. It is a price with a case. (Boxed item) This Banjo was developed jointly at The Kawase musical instrument and the Umeda NAKAI musical instrument, with Tokai musical instruments. Gold Tone Orange Blossom Banjo; 1. oriver63 - Posted - 03/13/2013:  06:06:01, Hello，I'm　Japanese　Banjo picker.Once, I owned 1978 T-1200R=GF-100. Out of stock. The RB-7 is the crown jewel in their banjo crown. Thank you for your insight. Gold Star GE-1 Prospector Old-Time Banjo. In the late 1970s Saga Musical Instruments made banjo history with the introduction of the Gold Star Banjo. JD - J.D. FE - flying eagles, also known as Reno, splattered bug or squashed frog. *5-star Banjo Head In Japan, It is only a goldstar that is using 5-star's head. A few returns because a banjo will not fit, and a merchant could be soured on the case in spite of its attributes. I would like to explain to another post. The first series of the J.D. Not only a banjo but acoustic guitars and electric guitars sold very well. When any of my banjo students voiced the desire to get a better instrument, I'd always suggest they consider a Gold Star. Main production following that up until about late '81 was at the Tokai factory, then difficulties caused an abrupt stoppage of production for about a year+. lethegoodtimesroll - Posted - 03/15/2013:  14:43:22. revellfa - Posted - 03/12/2013:  18:11:13. (Reissue) GOLD STAR BANJO GF-85 Production Specifications. Again called GF-85 , they are visually, materially and dimentionally similar to the old Gold Star GF-85 and/ or 1930's Gibson RB-75/ RB-3 design that those were cloned from exept there are no rings in … DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device. I bought a new '76 11W and it had a beautifully comfortable neck and great archtop tone with the tube and plate flange.Very nice inlays,too.It didn't need anything,but in '78 I put in a Stewmac tube and plate rim and no-hole flathead tone ring.I liked it better as a flathead and,as with guns and other stuff,I regret selling it.I was extremely happy with the new condition of the '79 GF85(790339) that I found at Heritage Auctions a couple years ago.I wanted to keep that one because everybody I showed it to was very surprised at its age and hardly played condition. oriver63 - Posted - 03/13/2013:  07:26:14. 5.0 out of 5 stars. The Kawase musical instrument and the Umeda NAKAI musical instrument are bluegrass specialty stores. sonhouse - Posted - 03/18/2013:  17:12:45. Crowe, Bobby Hicks, Doyle Lawson and Todd Phillips redefined the direction of the music for the next generation. These banjos have the prewar form factor tone ring with the longer skirt than current USA practice. steve davis - Posted - 03/16/2013:  04:55:22. Gold Tone OB 250 Archtop Banjo This is a great deal on an archtop banjo. The most interesting part of the Gibson banjo history transpired between its inception in October 1918, and a time around 1938 (see Chronology of Gibson Banjos) when, in my opinion, the line went through its greatest evolution. 1981 was obviously a particularly good year as most people know.I owned a 1979 GF-85 and it was a KILLER.  ARCHIVED TOPIC: Old Gold Star Banjos, Which Were The Best? Nechville Vintage Banjo; 9. It is not as protective as the ABS CP1530 case. These are 81001 to 810080, there are no 82 or 83 models. 1979～1981,The Tokai musical instruments was very powerful.Not only a banjo but acoustic guitars and electric guitars sold very well.As for the reason, the Tokai musical instrument was making the full copy of the vintage.Such as, Stratocaster, Les Paul, and Martin D-28 The Clarence White model However, the company declined quickly.Failure in a strong yen and original model development, enterprise expansion.So,Naturally 1981 are good. Jimmy's 'Gold Star' seemed at least as good, sometimes more appealing to my ear - than some of the old banjos...Fast forward up to about 2006 or so. The only real source is Richard Keldsen, and he has specifically declined to expound for the public on numerous occasions. The Tokai musical instrument went bankrupt in 1986. Gibson RB-7 Banjo. Probably, but that's subjective. In 1980, five musicians went into the Arch Street Studio in Berkeley, CA and Bluegrass recording history was made. I think this has happened. These were the Gold Star J. D. Crowe models that were frankly better than the then current Gibson product (1981) and arguably equal or better than the originals from the 1930's. GOLD TONE 6-STRING ELECTRIC BANJO GUITAR w/ GIG BAG DELUXE BANJITAR ~ GT-500. These 8 had QC, setup and shipping damage issues, and sound-wise ranged from dud (1) to joyous (#030079). I had the sound of Earl Scruggs in my head and had been playing Wade Garrett's old 'RB-75' (that's just like the banjo Earl purchased from Haze Hall after his RB-11 started falling apart and later traded to Don Reno for his Granada) at least every Sunday for several years by that time...Back in those days the older RB-150 & 250 'bowtie' models were plentiful in various configurations, and to a lesser degree the so were the RB-500s & 800s...Jimmy's new 'Gold Star' came closest to replicating the tone I was looking for than anything else I could find 'til I began stumbling up on some of the 'prewar flatheads'. There were a very few top tension models also, the preponderance are regular Mastertone replicas. I'd add a plus one to the vote for the JD Crowe models. This includes Goodtimes with the flyswatter head. This is why banjos with serial numbers reflecting '82 or '83 very rare. I don't know what year it is, but I believe it is early 1980s. They are really good banjos. Late production was by a small maker (1 or 2 men) with the same metal parts as the Tokai production, since these parts were from a separate vendor. In the mid 1970’s Richard Keldsen was frustrated with Gibson’s manufacturing of banjos and decided to set out to make a banjo that could compete with Gibson. My old Gold star has an unusual feature.The arm rest is soldered to two of the tension hooks instead of having a clamp around them.I think it's kind of a neat way to do it.Anybody know how long they kept that armrest system? Authentic archtop, Bluegrass Banjo,　The Goldstar appeared ! I wound up with 3 of them. All Rights Reserved. Copyright ©1999-2021 by Claudia Robyn Mattil. I don't really know much about the old Gold Stars except for the fact that I have been very intimately involved in a relationship with one amazing example for many years... that flathead banjo belonging to Tom Adams. At the Anaheim NAMM trade show in January 2004 the first production unit reissue Gold Star banjo was shown as well as the prototype from the July show and IBMA. *Price The price of a mahogany model is 110,000 yen. $1,595.00. Banjos. . The place which is not visible was continuing evolution. Gold Star Banjo GF100JD - New JD Crowe Gold Star 2017 Model - … The banjo … Gold Star GF-100HF Professional 5-String Resonator Banjo – Hearts & Flowers Inlay. Used - Very Good Condition Posted 5/14/2021 3:20:46 PM by okiejon - Country: United States - State: OK - ZIP: 73463 Last Updated 5/14/2021 4:12:14 PM. Eagle Music Shop Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. The Gold Star GF 100JD is a re-creation of the prewar Gibson RB-3 five string banjo used by J D Crowe on the highly influential 1980 recording ‘The Bluegrass Album'”. The AT model includes a forty hole sand cast bell brass arch top tone ring. Any help/info appreciated. Gold Tone revives that classic archtop sound with this specialized model. Basically identical to the GF85 except for an ebony fingerboard with a choice of Hearts and Flowers, Flying Eagle or Wreath patterns, one piece neck (with ears glued on?) Leaves and bows, nominally like Crowe's/ Keldsen's RB75. The early ones are tobacco colored with a black stained Brazilian rosewood fingerboard like the old Granadas. $ 1,980.00 $ 1,699.00 Read more; Deering Eagle II resonator five string banjo with case- outstanding flexible tone! The resonator construction is also different compared to the -100. The Gold Star GE-1 Prospector Old-Time Banjo The Gold Star Prospector Old Time Banjo is an open back banjo perfect for learning and playing clawhammer and old time banjo styles. jbanjoist - Posted - 07/03/2013:  18:20:33. This is pretty much all the information I have to offer, and it will allow you to identify and date your banjo. I want everybody to know this. The 1979's taptone has a higher pitch. The term classic banjo is used today to talk about a bare-finger "guitar style" that was widely in use among banjo players of the late 19th to early 20th century. The problem of Goldstar Archtop and flathead, That is very complicated. Hide these Google ads: join the Players Union! - GOLD TONE 6-STRING ELECTRIC BANJO … 20 - 20JD only. These reissue Gold Stars come from an almost clean slate and are made in China on new tooling, with an aim to replicate 30's Gibsons with a few modern touches like a geared 5th. The Korean made instruments have a certain ambiance and some Gold Star 20-hole flat head tone ring with heavy copper rich prewar formula (1934) -. No question about it David ,Tom and his Goldstar are a winning combo. This sells only two stores described above. The current rings have a slightly shorter (about 1/16") skirt. They might exist , but Ive never heard of one. I owned a 1981 GF-100 that would compete with any banjo in any price range! As best I recall, the old Gold Star banjos were produced between 1978 and 1986. At some point Richard had an original idea to try to beat Gibson at their own … Awarded Deering Banjos' #1 World Dealership for ten consecutive years! The price of a maple model is 120,000 yen. steve davis - Posted - 03/21/2013:  14:02:26. These are the dimensions of the Gibson double cut peghead, which will touch one side of the case lining and the end of it. I provided him with the information on Argus. A kawase musical instrument store is a musical instrument store in the most leading Japan.Also now, the store owns a goldstar's trademark. $1,200.00: Gold Star GF100JD Banjo w Case - NEW (expired) New / Country: United States - State: CA Last Updated … Banjos. Back in the late '70s and early '80s I taught at a local music store. Banjos. (Sale pending) VIDEO. Is it better to stand another thread about a gold star's history? (o: Serial numbers: I believe the serial numbers reflect the approximate date wholesaled by Saga USA. This is the first open back old time banjo produced by Gold Star Banjos. $2,195.00. I looked up my serial # last night. The tone rings were made at the Takeuchi metal works factory, with the possible exception of some JDC's. Like the vintage banjo that inspired it, the GF-100JD has a mahogany neck and resonator. Watch. Rickard Banjo Cherry Little Wonder, 12" head NEW. They are mahogany with leaves and bows as inlays, a one piece flange with a Gold Star manufactured 20 hole flat head long skirt cupric alloy tone ring. I have a G11 FE but dont know the year as the sticker has gone. and 2 concentric rings on the resonator. The problem of Goldstar Archtop and flathead, That is very complicated. larry p - Posted - 06/30/2013:  10:09:22. 1982 GOLD STAR BANJO catalog - This 8 1/2" x 11" color brochure is a single piece of paper folded in thirds to produce 6 full color pages showing and describing Gold Star mahogany and maple ARCHTOP series banjos available at that time. Out of stock. Mastertone style banjos, 1976-86. Crowe, Doyle Lawson, Bobby Hicks and Todd Phillips went into the studio record a collection of their favorite traditional bluegrass songs. 760180. There are two types of serial numbers, one with dots and one without. What a total surprise I had in 2011 when I opened the box containing the '79 G85 that I bought online at Heritage Auctions with only 2 pics and a 2 sentence description to go by.It was,for all intents and purposes a brand new banjo with what could have been the original strings and bridge still on it.Made in Japan sticker on it and you could see your reflection in the lacquer and plating finish from one end to the other.Never touched,hardly except for a faint finger plant smudge.All of the fastenings were just finger tight,like it had never been set up. steve davis - Posted - 03/13/2013:  14:00:57. Out of stock. Ks_5-picker - Posted - 03/14/2013:  07:14:18. Both were very good banjos but I thought the flat head was a better made instrument. Gold Star GE-1 Prospector Old-Time Banjo. oriver63 - Posted - 03/17/2013:  04:21:47. These instruments were the first production banjos since the 1930s to be manufactured with the lethal combination of a three-ply maple rim and a single piece flange! steve davis - Posted - 03/14/2013:  07:22:51. Some are. Crowe signature model, hearts and flowers only, no inlay on the first fret. Again, the plastic case is preferable and will need to be demanded. I accompanied many of these students on the short drive down to the 5th String on Scott St. in San Francisco where we would play the numerous Gold Stars that were always on display. What are Gold Star Banjos? It is made of a plastic in 1979 and afterwards. $1,639.00. The place which is not visible was continuing evolution. He is not a tinkerer either, he has said his banjo setup You guys are gonna make me pull out my old JD, clean her up, tighten the head, put strings on her and give her some pickin time. And anyone who is living in the delusion that they will ever get the true, full Gold star history here or ANYWHERE is sadly mistaken. Late production is identified by serial numbers indicating 1983 or later. All of our banjos include free shipping and our Full Satisfaction Guarantee. I currently own a 78 raised head which sounds good and has a great feel, very comfortable and  very easy to play. 5-Picker Tim - Posted - 03/18/2013:  09:52:54. My assessment of the Saga CP-1530 Golden Gate blow molded plastic shell banjo case - this is by far the best support and protection for the money today at US$110 list price plus shipping/ tax if any, with the following features/ caveats: It is difficult to find these cases offered by a brick and mortar store that knows enough to tell you all this stuff up front, or has one so you can find out if your banjo will fit. It took a long time for the first batch of 20 to get here, they were announced at the NAMM show at the Disneyland Hotel (California) in January 1980, they got to the US in June of 1981. I always thought it was a pretty cool unspoken  statement that Tom did nt need a 100K banjo to sound outstanding.. Tom,with his GS  and the JMB are/were an outstanding bluegrass band. Mahogany - GF85 Gold Star banjos are back after a ten year hiatus, and represent quality and value more than ever. Crowe models (the 3 apparent batches, 20/20/40 totalling 80 instruments in 1981) are the best of the best of the Japanese production banjos, which is why I talk about them. Came in wreath and h&f, 2 w/b/w concentric rings on the resonator. I had mine changed to a one piece flange,easily accomplished with just one little shim. I cant recall ever playing or hearing  anyone speak of a dud GS banjo. I find the historic aspect of instruments very interesting, David McLaughlin - Posted - 03/17/2013:  09:49:51. Although it is very a small number, a Korean-made gold star banjo exists.kawase.co.jp/productsindex1.htmlIt seems that it is made in the same company as a "Rally". Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright 2021 Banjo Hangout. Also am using a Mitch tone ring mate and put one of Mitch's 5 ply maple rims in it. I never saw a Gold Star banjo that wasn't a really good instrument, but the first batch of the JD Crowe models (1981?) As for the reason, the Tokai musical instrument was making the full copy of the vintage. My archtop is a '76.The first year for them. The contents currently written in Japanese are made into English. “The Bluegrass Album” with Tony Rice, J.D. Fast & Free shipping on many items! to build a better picture of the marque, especially about 6 string or top tension models, but I will not appraise instruments. However, as for an inside diameter, 1979 are somewhat smaller. Any time I want banjo inspiration, I pull out any album he's on and I know what a banjo is supposed to sound and be played like. I suggest demanding the plastic case. A Deering Sierra resonator can be forced in....but the peghead WILL NOT fit. I understand the first ones (76xxx) were made by world class mandolin luthier Sumi. As with all cases, it is wise to lubricate the hinges (oil) and latch rubbing surfaces (white grease) right away. Stellings will not fit, the peghead is too long. In the late 1970s Saga Musical Instruments made banjo history with the introduction of the Gold Star Banjo. 1 product rating. I still have the GF-200 (it's pictured on my BHO home page) and consider it to be be a truly exceptional instrument. Out of stock. Gold Star GF-100FE Professional 5-String Resonator Banjo – Flying Eagle Inlay. Im very interested in hearing about the complicated  problem. $1,200.00: 2006 Gold Star GF200. It is still used by banjoists today. All Rights Reserved. It's a much better banjo now,but could still be put back original if I so desired. The actual maximum peghead dimensions (normal 22 fret neck with 26.188" scale, 11" pot) are 6 1/2" long, 3 1/4" wide. Gold Star Banjos. First … (picture)*Neck...Please choose your favorite pattern. This puts him in a good position to assess. Came in wreath, flying eagles (aka splattered frog, splattered bug, or Reno) and h&f, 2 w/b/w concentric rings on the resonator. Yet, in a response to my earlier e-mail inquiry, a customer service representative for Saga stated that "it was common for Gold Star … I have seen and played a very early ex-Sumi one owner example, wreath with a fiddle cut headstock with the two lower edges of the fiddle cut brought to a point instead of the usual small flat and no label or serial number. steve davis - Posted - 06/30/2013:  16:45:30. 3/4 GF-85 front, yours truly playing the GF-85, and finally the man behind it all with Gold Star and Saga, our benefactor Richard Keldsen, with a stunning Blueridge (Saga) BR280 guitar in solid fiddleback Brazilian rosewood and spruce. In 1980 Tony Rice, J.D. J.D. The problem of Goldstar Archtop and flathead, That is very complicated. Crowe Banjo The new Gold Star GF-100JD banjo has a venerable history. All Forums In the late 1970’s Saga Musical Instruments made banjo history with the introduction of the Gold star banjo. May be any of the following: 11 - 40 hole archtop, mahogany, two piece flange. $1,750.00: 2013 Gold Star GF-100FE. Vega Dragon Star Banjo; 7. $ 695.00. Tom has always known that he needs no other banjo to get his art out the way he wants. New. The banjo player in our band has one of that first batch, and aside from strings and frets he's never needed to change anything about it for over 30 years. They both were better IMO than any rb250 that came from that era. The record was intended to be a one-shot effort, a tribute to traditional bluegrass by five master musicians. In 1980 Tony Rice, J.D. It is a copy of Old Gibson as what many professionals are using. lethegoodtimesroll - Posted - 03/16/2013:  19:25:39, Last year I was in Reno..got to looking in pawn shops and came across a Tokai Falthead Tenor, pearcemusic - Posted - 03/16/2013:  19:36:15. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Paul Hawthorne suspected that … The sound is the proof and reason to purchase, not the average of comments on an internet discussion list. Does that make it a '76 or an '80? Brand New. Free shipping. Gold Star GF-100HF Professional 5-String Resonator Banjo – Hearts & Flowers Inlay. Contemporary Gold Star At the Anaheim NAMM trade show in January 2004 the first production unit reissue Gold Star banjo was shown as well as the prototype from the July show and IBMA. Richard connected with instrument makers in Japan to try and replicate the mastertone type bluegrass banjos made by Gibson. The problem of Goldstar Archtop and flathead, That is very complicated. oriver63 - Posted - 03/17/2013:  04:49:00. Which years are considered to be the best? Deering Calico Banjo ; 10. I mail ordered mine from the 5th String in 1981 and regret ever selling it a few years later. Gold Star Banjo GF100JD - New JD Crowe Gold Star 2017 Model - Ross Nickerson Demo Video - YouTube. Although I had done this many times, I never ceased to be delighted at how good those Gold Stars sounded, even when the set-up was not yet dialed in. I know his site well. I want everybody to know this.  Collector's Corner The Chinese do not have the masterful touch that the guys who made the 70's/ 80's ones had. Deerings will not fit, the peghead is too wide. -85 had only leaves and bows inlay. $ 1,995.00. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/258365, impickin5 - Posted - 03/12/2013:  16:07:47. These instruments were the first production banjos since the 1930s to be manufactured with the lethal combination of a three-ply maple rim and a single piece flange!